Mauro Tassotti has reflected that Max Allegri has paid for Milan’s collective mistakes, as he emphasises the importance of the Coppa Italia.

The Rossoneri are under temporary rule of the assistant Coach following Allegri’s sacking, ahead of Clarence Seedorf’s anticipated arrival this week.

Overseeing the club’s Round of 16 Coppa Italia clash tomorrow evening at home to Spezia, Tassotti took today’s Press conference and reflected on recent events.

“The Coach has paid but the fault is with all of us and the staff are primarily responsible,” the 53-year-old mused to reporters.

“But it is too late - the club stayed as long as possible in support, but the decision seemed inevitable.

“Seedorf? Some great players have become great Coaches and others have stopped after a couple of years because it is not their job.

“He does not lack competence and personality, he has been playing up to the other day. I have no advice to give, I will meet with him and listen.

“He knows the environment. I will be ready to respond to everything that is asked of me. I hope that he does arrive. I hope that there is a change of mentality and a return to the old values.

“This is a team game and is played by 11. It is necessary to fight for the good of the team and not for the individual.

“If the individual wants to prevail, he goes to play tennis. It is not important who scores or who doesn’t, the important thing is that we do well.

“The squad has always been united despite a first round of fixtures with some difficult results. I am not sure if something happened to disrupt the players, we have been in a position to earn more points than we have, but we have been unable to do so.

“The many injuries have also affected the team’s performance.”

Tassotti reflected on the midweek Cup test and reiterated that it is a competition the Rossoneri will be taking seriously.

“It is very important to advance in the Cup. It is a path that can lead us to Europe, because in the League we are many points behind.

“We will have the advantage of playing the next two games in the competition at home and we must try to take advantage of this favourable draw and get to the final of the Cup, which would allow us to reach Europe.

“We will play a team to win, without making too many changes. The current moment is difficult, and today I reiterate the importance of the match on Sunday in the League. We need to look at the facts and talk less.

“Tomorrow Pazzini will play. Defensively we will make some decisions and Rami has a good chance of playing. Additionally, Honda has the conditions to start.”

Speculation is that Tassotti will leave the club in the summer, after 13 years as assistant Coach.

“I have a contract until June and I will be here until the end and then I will have a chat with the club.

“Now the most important thing is the game tomorrow. It is a way to enter into Europa League, whilst making the Champions League will be tough.”